Could I bring my 3 yr old daughter to the dentist?

Question

Every dentist office I called said that she has to be atleast 5 yrs old. My problem is that my family gets cavities easily. And unfortunately she has cavities, doesn't help that my mom gives her candy but I still brush her teeth and floss them. I know they're just baby teeth and will fall out but it looks bad and I don't want it to get to the point where she's in pain and can't eat. I need help with this. Also my other problem is she freaks out at doctor visit and I have to hold her. I can't take her to the dentist like that can I?

Answer 1

Yes, I believe you should. I'm aware of the 5 year old minimum but perhaps you can make this trip to the dentist an educational one. Contact a dentist you trust and if they mention again the 5 y.o. minimum, remind them that this educational trip is actually good business for them because
one's dentist could be someone whom we develop a bond of trust with and a figure of good hygiene we heed and obey through out the years.

For your child's first trip, make it a very simple one, sort of an acquaintance party. So no nasty procedures, no stories of trauma, etc. If you could get her to a time when the office is at a down time, that would be great - this will lessen the chances of her seeing children being fearful about their trip.

When you already have decided on which dentist to go to, talk to the dentist herself/himself first and let him/her know that you would like this first visit to be an educational one, so on and so on, and that you want your child to build that bond of trust with their dentist so she'll grow up caring for her teeth and her health.

Perhaps you should also have the dentist conduct a friendly dialogue (with the "You have a very nice smile," open or something that's actually creative) with your daughter: encourage her to brush her teeth religiously and follow the three-to-four minute rule for brushing one's teeth (at any age, a person should brush for at least three solid minutes for the regimen to actually have a substantial effect), that your daughter should watch what she eats, what is offered to her, how much of a thing she should eat, perhaps also, the etiquette of turning down sweets whether they be gifts from a friend or her grandmother, etc.

Also, let the dentist explain what cavities are, and what they can lead to, and seque to other dental problems if you think your daughter is receptive that moment. It's important, though, to make sure that your daughter doesn't feel uncomfortable and the development of any fear should be avoided.

Brainstorm with your dentist for the dialogue and all. Baby teeth will of course naturally fall out but as long as they are there we are susceptible to infection if they are not taken care properly.

(When we were younger, my brother who was at that time barely four years old, had a very deep cavite in one of his milk teeth. It was just baby teeth, sure, but he contracted a very bad infection that painful rashes were in his inner upper arm - there was no other culprit: it really was an infection from his milk tooth. He used to freak out back then on chairs, be it the dental hygienist's or at the barber's.)

Also, parents are responsible for their children's diets. Perhaps you could talk to your child about the gifts of candy she receives from her grandmother. Like maybe tell her that she may accept the candy, be grateful and all, but perhaps she could start learning to pace herself with the intake itself. That she make keep the candy but not eat them all and maybe save it for another time, share it with her grandmother, with you and with the family, her friends etc.

And perhaps, at the end of every trip to the dentist, perhaps your daughter would be treated to a reward, to further reinforce the positivity of each trip to her dentist. Not sweets, though, of course.
Best.

Answer 2

You really should bring her in if you have any concerns at all. It's quite acceptable to start when they are 3. Alot of dentists will say come back when she's four - but - you just have to push them to see you and say - I'm concerned that she might have a cavity. The first appointment usually checks for the number of teeth and usually there are simply no other issues - that's why in most cases it's acceptable to wait until age 4 but for anyone where they have a concern like pain in the mouth or cause to believe there may be a cavity - they will see you but you may have to be strong about it to get an appointment if they say they don't need to see her now. See, dentists and doctors are having a hard time earning a profit because it costs like $260 per hour or something to cover the overhead and malpractice insurance and unless the visit is necessary - an initial one at age 3 just isn't going to cover their costs to count their teeth and send you on your way. People think that it's the uninsured who are the problem - but it's the malpractice insurance and the pharmeceutical salespeople earning six figure incomes that are causing these issues - while the doctors and dentists struggle to keep their doors open for people regardless of their ability to pay. Sorry to go off on a tangent. One thing I've learned is to pre-teach my child about situations. Get a book about going to the dentist and make sure to talk about it weeks before you go. Let her bring her favorite stuffed animal or blanket with her. Make sure to remind her that there are no shots - that may be what freaks her out - the thought of the shots.

Answer 3

I took my daughter for her first dental checkup when she was 3. The dentist office had no problems with it. Most cities have some dentists who specialize in children or at least are used to working with them. Keep looking for someone who will take you. Prepare your daughter well ahead of time, letting her know what kind of behavior you will expect and what you will not tolerate, and promise her a reward--not candy!-- ONLY if she is calm and shows the dentist her teeth. If she already has cavities, she does need to go to a dentist, so try to find one. The ones who take younger kids usually have some strategies for helping them not be too anxious, but even if you have to hold her she should get looked at.

Answer 4

The dentist can't very well look in her mouth like that. I'm shocked that a three year old has cavities. You could take her to the doctor if you think there is a problem he/she can refer you to a dentist that will treat your child if there is a problem.

Answer 5

My son first went when he was 3 your dr can probably tell you someone who will work with smaller kids to help try to find a book about going to the dentist also you could show her how the dentist will look at her teeth and that it won't hurt also bring her favorite toy. My dentist was a ped. dentist and is use to having small children they usually know just what to do to calm them down.

Answer 6

wow thats crazy my first 2 kids were 3 when they first went to the dentist....my 3rd child was seen at age1 because my husband is military and the DOD policy for dependents is 6 months after their first tooth for a military dependent.....i find it insane that dentists are saying 5....you need to find a pediatric dentist, from the sounds of things you are dealing with a regular dentist like you yourself would go to....pediatric dentists usually specialize in children from first tooth all the way up to anywhere from 12-18 depending on the doctors preferences (some choose to cut off at 12 so they dont have to deal with the wisdom tooth business) ask your pediatrician for a recomendation of a good one in your area, i was told by my daughters dentist that although they dont do flouride until 3-4 the reason they like to see them before that is so they can build a relationship with the doctor (in case of a mouth trauma they dont have to deal with a stranger) and also they need to check the status of their teeth as they are coming in

Answer 7

I brought my baby to the dentist since she was 1 year old and 6 months after that she also freaks out with doctors but i always put her on my lap and that helps her calm down but i'm sure your dentist has other kids that freak out and they'll know what to do to calm her down.

Answer 8

I've been taking my son to the dentist since he was 1. Thats only because i went specifically to a Pediatric dentist. They only do infants - childhood years. They are patient and are good at making your child as comfortable as possible. Here is a link where you can read more about it, and search a pediatric dentist in your area. You can also see if your health insurance covers it. :)

Answer 9

talked to your baby doctor and she tell who to go to it a dentist for baby if tell or some time baby doctor will look at there teeth if anything you have worries about
i worries about the same thing my is 3 too but i can't get her to brush with too paste

Answer 10

I have been taking my son to the dentist ever since he got his first tooth. I don't get why they wouldn't take her in. That makes no sense to me and you should just keep trying to find a good dentist that will see her. Good luck.